One person has died and two boat operators swam to safety on Bai village shore whilst 27 others are still missing at sea following an unfortunate boat incident on the afternoon of Saturday 18th July in the waters of East New Britain Province (ENB).

Two 60 Horsepower boats belonging to Parpar Ward of Duke of York and a 75HP vessel owned by Corey Dotty and belonging to Pangpang Paradise sunk between Pidgin Island and Duke of York after encountering very rough seas and strong winds late in the afternoon.

The missing individuals include four senior ENB Provincial Health Authority (PHA) staff members and their families:

• Carol and Clive with their families
• Raymond Maramun and his family
• Manuel Sualis and his family

Other victims known include Corey Dotty Eron, Ward Member for Karavara, other passengers including children, remain missing at sea.

Mr. Esekia Paul, Palpal Ward Recorder confirmed this, stating that two boats, one belonging to police and another belong to the Provincial Disaster Office were sent out for search and rescue yesterday and the search went as far towards the New Ireland Province because of the tide but was unsuccessful and was called off.

East New Britain Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Amanda Kate gave an update this morning to relatives and the people of East New Britain stating the boats that were sent out for search and rescue operations were called off because of bad weather and a helicopter is sent to Lae with a co-pilot and two spotter to do search and rescue from Lae waters all the way to New Ireland and up to East New Britain, following the flow of the sea current.

PPC Kate also added that it is over 24 hours and no progress has been made in the search and rescue mission and sadly this will now be a search and recovery mission.

The National Maritime Safety Authority, ENB Disaster Authorities, police and immediate families are all involved in the search of the missing families and are also appealing to all seafarers, fishing vessels, coastal communities, and the public to keep an eye out for these individuals or any floating debris.

“Please report any sightings or relevant information immediately to local police or disaster officials to aid in their safe rescue.”

“We pray for the safety and swift recovery of the missing passengers during this incredibly difficult time.”